Fallen tree on Santa Cruz Island forces campground closure

Scorpion Rock sits off the shore of Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service and other agencies are working to restore the area's native vegetation for nesting seabirds.(Photo: ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR)

National Park Service officials have closed the Upper Scorpion Campground and nearby trails on Santa Cruz Island because of dangers posed by a fallen eucalyptus tree.

The Lower Scorpion Campground and restrooms are still open.

Officials said in a news release that they are looking into the possibility of using recreation fees to restore access to not only the Upper Scorpion Campground, but also the Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail and the Upper Scorpion Canyon Trail to Potato Harbor, which is still accessible via the Cavern Point Trail.

Santa Cruz Island is part of Channel Islands National Park, which has limited personnel due to the partial government shutdown. Officials said there are no campground check-in or check-out services, and there is no guarantee that reserved campsites will be ready and available.

In addition, National Park Service social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. All park programs, included guided walks and education programs, have been canceled until further notice.